Homer School District 33C is teaming up with Countryside Bank and Alliant/Mesirow Insurance Services to help district employees and community members protect their financial identity and prepare for retirement.

“Part of our Future Ready mission is to ensure all stakeholders, whether they be students, parents or community members, are financially literate,” said Homer 33C Superintendent Kara Coglianese.

Among the topics to be discussed at the Oct. 18 Financial Wellness workshop are:

Identity theft – How to Protect your Financial Identity

Credit reports – How to Keep them Safe

Health Savings Accounts – How Do They Work?

403b retirement plans – Should I Invest?

Given the recent Equifax data breach, the Financial Wellness workshop is especially timely, said Countryside Bank Branch Manager Barbara Iovinelli, whose team of bankers will discuss identity theft, credit reports and how to protect your debit card from thieves.

Alliant/Mesirow Insurance Services will take the lead on 403b retirement plans, discussing the tax-deferred retirement plans that are offered to some nonprofit companies, religious groups, school districts and governmental organizations.

Educators should pay particular attention to 403b retirement plans, said Christi Tyler, Homer 33C’s Assistant Superintendent for Business, to prepare for any changes in pensions that may be implemented in the future.

“As legislators talk about changing the state pension system, it’s imperative for educators to explore alternative retirement plans,” she added.

To reserve your seat at the Financial Wellness workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 18, please call 708-226-7615 and indicate which session/sessions you wish to attend.